McDonald's to Heinz: no more ketchup please

McDonald's Corp plans to end its 40-year relationship with ketchup maker HJ Heinz Co from Friday, since that company is now led by Bernardo Hees, the former chief executive of hamburger rival Burger King Worldwide Inc, according to reports in foreign newspapers.

McDonald's statement read, "As a result of recent management changes at Heinz, we have decided to transition our business to other suppliers over time."

"We have spoken to Heinz and plan to work together to ensure a smooth and orderly transition," said McDonald's, which has more than 34,000 restaurants around the globe.

The switch will be more apparent overseas than in the United States, since McDonald's only serves Heinz ketchup in two domestic markets - Pittsburgh and Minneapolis, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on Friday.